Unioto and Paint Valley students to represent Ohio in Elks National Hoop S

CHILLICOTHE Two local students will soon be representing the Elks Lodge 52 and the entire state of Ohio in the regional competition of the Elks Hoop Shoot.

The Elks Hoop Shoot Competition is a youth free throw program for kids ages eight to 13 that is designed to teach children about grit through healthy competition.

Unioto student, Isaiah Reveal, has been playing basketball since he was five years old, now in the fifth grade he has used his skills to rank up in the Elks Competition. Starting at his school Reveal made 10/10 free throws, 18/25 in the local competition, 23/25 in the district competition and 21/25 in the statewide competition.

Isaiah said he has had fun in the competitions getting to meet the other players. Basketball is his favorite sport out of the three he plays.

Parents Josh and Krystal Reveal said it is exciting and nerve-wracking watching him compete.

"I think we get more nervous than he does," said Krystal.

To prepare for regionals Reveal has been practicing every day at his house or with his team.

Paint Valley student, Ainsley Weaver, placed second place in the state last year in the contest and knew she wanted to try again this year. This year Weaver made 22/25 in the local competition, 22/25 in the district competition and 25/25 in the statewide competition.

She said she felt "good" winning the competitions and that her favorite part of basketball is the shooting aspect.

Her parents, Tara and Gabe said they were "very proud" of her for making it this far. They have been working with her to help her practice her athletic skills and her focus. Her mom even let their chickens and sheep loose at the house during practice to help teach Weaver how to focus on shooting, not the things around her.

Regional competitions take place on March 16, if the students win they will move on to the nationwide competition.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter@Shelby_Reeves_